Hooked style bedframe and headboard assembly



April 28; 1959 M. E. ROCHE HOOKED STYLE BEDFRAME AND HEADBOARD ASSEMBLYFiled Jan. 21, 1958 III 3 FIG.4 A?

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INVENTOR. I MELVIN BROCHE mmrmw ATTYS.

United States Patent HOOKED STYLE BEDFRAME AND HEADBOARD ASSEMBLY MelvinE. Roch, Berea, Ohio, assignor to Harvard Manufacturing Company,Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application January 21, 1958,Serial No. 710,236

3 Claims. (Cl. 5-479) The present invention relates to bed headboardsand bedframes, and especially to a bed unit having a hooked bedheadboard plate securing a bedframe and bed headboard together in arapid, adjustable manner.

In many hotels, motels, dormitories, and institutions, and the like,rearrangement of sleeping quarters is often necessary. Moving anadditional bed into a room should be done with the least amount ofeffort and should not require experienced help in its assembly. Thestyle of bedframe popular in most of these places is usually a metalframe which has a pair of side rails, a pair of cross rails, withprovisions for adjustable width, and suitable frame supports, or legs,mounted on the side or cross rails. In addition, most side rails areequipped with vertical plates attached to one end of the side rails forsecuring a suitable headboard thereto. In some cases, plates areprovided at each end of the side rails, so that a footboard might beattached, if required. These vertical plates, or end plates, are usuallyprovided with two parallel horizontal slots to allow a certain amount ofadjustment in attaching the headboards. The adjustment is necessary, inthat the distance between the headboard legs varies, and the distancebetween the end plates, from side to side rail, also varies, due todifferences in box spring widths. In most cases, the head and footboardsdo not support the bedframe but are supported by the frame, so that theassembled bed unit might easily be moved for makeup or rearrangement.The frame supports, or legs, are equipped with casters or glides, tofacilitate this movement. Headboards are, in general, attached to theend plates by two bolts, through each of the headboard legs, extendingthrough the slots in the end plates. These slots, as mentioned before,offer some adjustability with regard to width. However, there are manycases where this adjustment would not be sufiicient to provide forpicking a headboard, at random, and having the mounting bolts fit withinthe confines of the slots in the end plates. In some instances, separateslotted plates are furnished for additional adjustment and these aremounted on the headboard legs and attachment made with bolts through theslots in these plates and the end plates. To set up a bed unit, in thismanner, takes considerable time and is particularly difiicult for oneperson to assemble. For frequent, or even occasional, dismantling of theheadboard, this method is undesirable.

To simplify the assembly of a headboard to a bedframe, it should bepossible to avoid the initial alignment of bolts with slots [and otheradjustment work by balancing the headboard in position, on the endplates, while the final attachment is made. The present invention, asherein described, will permit this type of assembly.

In addition to the advantages of rapidly attaching and dismantlingheadboards, another very important feature is provided by the presentinvention in the simplicity of converting old style fixed bed units tomodern movable bedframe units. In old style wooden bed units, in whichthe head and footboards support wooden siderails, with the spring andmattress supported on slats extending crosswise between the side rails,the head and footboards are considerably wider than the box springs. Touse the old headboards and spring and mattress in conjunction with amodern type metal bedframe, it is necessary to have transverseadjustability between the end plates of the bedframe and the headboardlegs. In the present invention, to be described later, the simplicity ofthis conversion is obvious.

Briefly, the conversion feature would involve disman tling the old stylebed unit which would mean removal of the spring and mattress andsupporting slats and disassembly of the side rails from the head andfootboards. The metal bedframe would then be assembled so that the widthbetween the side rails would be suflicient to accommodate the width ofthe old box spring. This may be determined by measurement and theadjustment is made possible by the telescoping cross rails which arelocked in position with suitable cross rail clamps. In most instances,only the headboard would be used and it is this assembly thatexemplifies the novelty and utility of the present invention. Theadapter plates provided by this invention, as hereinafter described indetail, would now be hooked over the end plates on the frame, one foreach side, with the locking screws, or bolts, partially tightened tofacilitate adjustment. The headboard is then positioned close to thehead end of the bedframe and centered with respect thereto. To permitmobility of the bedframe, the headboard legs have to be free from thefloor and should be mounted one-half to three-quarters of an inchtherefrom. A book or a block around this thickness should be placedunder each headboard leg. The adapter plates are then extended laterallyuntil they line up with the outside of the headboard legs and thelocking screws are then tightened. The two mounting holes of the adapterplates are now marked 01f on each of the headboard legs and holes aredrilled through the headboard legs at these locations. Suitable mountingbolts are now inserted through these holes and the holes in the adapterplates and the nuts are tightened. The headboard is now firmly attachedto the bedframe and the complete unit is mobile.

The foregoing description of two adaptations of the present inventionserve to illustrate the novelty and utility thereof. It is obvious thatmany other adaptations of it will be apparent to those skilled in theart.

The general object of the present invention is to provide a novel andimproved type of a bedframe and headboard unit wherein the unit ischaracterized by use of an inexpensive but positive type of engagementmeans for securing a bed headboard to a bedframe for rapid release orattachment of the headboard.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel bed combinationincluding a pair of bed headboard plates having overhanging hooked upperends used for securing a bed headboard to a bedframe for supportthereon.

Another object of the invention is to provide uncomplicated, easilyinstalled means to facilitate converting an old style fixed bedframe toa modern movable bed unit.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a The foregoing andother objects and advantages of the invention will be made more apparentas the specification proceeds.

Reference now is directed to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a novel bed assembly embodying theprinciples of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective View of a novel bed headboard plate means of theinvention;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section showing the bed headboard plateof Fig. 2 used to attach a bed headboard to a bedframe narrower in widththan the bed headboard;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical section of a modified headboard platesimilar to that of Fig. 6;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation of a modified bed headboardattachment assembly of the invention; and

Fig. 6 is a section, like Fig. 3, of an assembly using a modifiedheadboard plate of the invention.

When referring to corresponding parts shown in the drawings and referredto in the specification, corresponding numerals are used to facilitatecomparison therebetween.

The present invention, in general, relates to the combination in a bedof a bed headboard, a bedframe including side rails, an end platesecured to each of the side rails and extending upwardly therefrom atthe bed headboard, each of the end plates having a slot therein, meansfor supporting the bedframe, a headboard plate having an overhanginghooked upper edge secured to the bed headboard adjacent each lateralmargin thereof, which headboard plate is hooked over the upper edges ofthe end plates on the bedframe to secure the bed headboard thereto, andheaded lock screw means or equivalent means are engaged with the bedheadboard plates and extend through the slots in the end plates forsecuring the bed headboard fixedly to the bedframe.

Attention now is directed to the details of the structure shown in thedrawings and illustrating the currently preferred embodiment of theinvention. In Fig. l, a bed is indicated as a whole by the numeral 1.This bed includes a bedframe 2 that has a bed headboard 3 securedthereto and supported thereby.

The drawing shows that the bedframe 2 is of the Hollywood style and ismade from a pair of side rails 4 and 5 and a pair of adjustable lengthcross rails 6 and 7. Usually these side and cross rails 4 through. 7 areall made from metal angle and suitable clamps 8 are used for securingoverlapped telescopically engaged sections of the cross rails 6 and 7together to hold them in a given adjusted position. Suitable supports,such as legs 9, are secured to the cross rails 6 and 7, or to otherportions of the bedframe 2 to support the bedframe 2 in a conventionalmanner.

It should be noted that each of the side rails 4 and 5 has an end plate10 secured thereto and extending vertically thereof at the end of therail adjacent the bed headboard 3. These end plates are normal to thelongitudinal axes of the side rails 4 and 5 and usually extend bothupwardly and downwardly therefrom. One or more horizontally directedslots 11 is provided in each of these end plates 10 to aid in securingthe bedframe 2 to the bed headboard 3 by a laterally adjustableconnection. Of course, the slot 11 may be replaced by a hole or seriesof holes but the slot is the preferred construction for secur ing quicklateral adjustability. Hence, the bedframe 2 can be adjusted toaccommodate a mattress, springs, or other sleeping unit positionedthereon and then have the bed headboard be secured to the given bedframeeven though some variation exists in the width of the sleeping unitsupported on the bedframe.

As an important feature of the invention, a bed headboard attachmentplate 13, Fig. 2, is provided adjacent each lateral margin of the bedheadboard 3 and such plates have overhanging or hooked upper endsforming downwardly extending hooks 14 thereon. Each of the bed headboardplates has a pair, or more, of laterally spaced tapped apertures 15provided therein for a pur pose to be hereinafter described in moredetail. These headboard plates 13 also have pairs of vertically aligned,but spaced, countersunk apertures 16, 16 and 16a, 16a therein adjacenteach lateral margin thereof for receiving bolt means, or equivalentmembers 17 used to secure the bed headboard plates 13 to legs 3a of thebed headboard 3, or equivalent portions thereof. Thus, as indicated inFig. 3, the bed headboard 3 is supported on the bedframe 2 by theseheadboard plates 13 being hooked over or slid into engagement with theend plates 16 on the side rails of the bedframe.

In order to insure a fixed or permanent engagement between the bedframe2 and bed headboard 3, suitable lock members, such as cap screws orthumb screws 18, engage one of the series of tapped apertures 15 in eachof the bed headboard plates and extend through one of the slots 11 inthe end plates 10. The thumb screws engage such end plates after beingthreaded through the slots and rotated through or more to lock downtightly against these end plates. As a modified version, instead of thetapped apertures 15, and the thumb screws 18, clearance holes may beprovided in the same locations as the tapped apertures 15 and a nut andbolt may be used instead of the thumb screws 18.

When securing the bedframe 2 to the bed headboard 3, it is necessary touse a pair of the plates 13 and thus either the right or left sets ofapertures 16, or 16a, respectively, are used to secure such plates tothe bed headboard. Thus Fig. 3 shows how one of these headboard plates13 can be used as the left plate to extend laterally inwardly from thebed headboard 3 to secure a narrower bedframe thereto, whereas in amodified or alternate assembly, the same headboard plate 13 could beused to extend out laterally from the left hand side of a bed headboardto secure a bedframe wider than the bed headboard thereto by use of theapertures 16a to secure the plate to the bed headboard. The tappedapertures 15 can be in any desired laterally spaced association with thebolt or screw receiving apertures 16, and 16a.

In a modified structure shown in Fig. 4, a headboard 20 is secured to aframe side rail 21. An end plate 22 is secured to the side rail 21 andprotrudes above it slightly. A hooked bed headboard plate 1311 which maybe of a width about equal to the leg of the headboard 20 is securedthereto by bolts 17a. As a feature of this construction, a nut 24 issecured, as by welding, to the back of the plate 13a and the bedheadboard is recessed to receive such nut if the nut is aligned withsuch headboard leg. A screw 25 extends through a slot in the end plate22 and a hole in the plate 13a to secure the bedframe and bed headboardtogether with lateral adjustment being provided therebetween. Of course,the nut 24 could be secured in an aperture in the plate 13a or the platecould have a tapped hole therein for en gaging the screw 25.Countersinking the bolt heads in the plate 13a aids in obtaining acompact, tight joint between the bed headboard plate 13a and the endplate 22. The bed headboard plate 13a has only one set of apertures,like the apertures 16, 16 therein and usually carries, or provides onlyone not 24 or equivalent means thereon.

In a modified structure shown in Fig. 5, a headboard 23 is secured to abedframe side rail 26. An end plate 27 is secured to the side rail 26but does not protrude above the side rail. Hence, a notch 28 is providedin the vertical leg of the side rail to provide for complete engagementof a hooked bed headboard plate 13b with the end plate, and for freesliding action therebetween. A flange 29 on the end plate 27 extendsalong the side rail 26 and also is notched for sliding engagement withthe hook 14b of the headboard engaging plate 13b.

Fig. 6 shows an end plate 10c on a bedframe side rail 40. Such end plateengages a hooked bedframe plate 13c of the same width. A thumb screw 18cextends through a slot 110 in the end plate 10c but bears thereagainstto secure the bedframe to the bedframe plate 130. The bedframe plate 130is suitably secured to a bed headboard 3c and a suitable tapped socket,aperture or nut is provided on the plate 13c to engage the thumb screw18c.

It will be realized that the end plates on the bedframe may be of anydesired height with relation to the side rail of the frame and thatnotches, like the notch 28, Fig. 5, can be provided in the side rail asrequired to facilitate lateral adjustment between the headboard andbedframe. Any desired aperture or slot can be provided in the end plateto pass the lock screw means therethrough but horizontal slots arepreferred to permit lateral adjustment at such connection. A loose nutcan be used to secure the thumb screw 18 or equivalent member to a bedheadboard plate and such nut would usually be laterally olfset from thebed headboard leg 3a.

Nut means in the specification and claims is construed to include tappedapertures like the apertures 15.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the bedframes 2 of theinvention can be of any desired style but they usually are laterallyadjustable in size. The principles of the invention can be used forsecuring bed headboards to bedframes, while they also can be used forsecuring footboards to a bedframe, as desired. In all events, a compact,inexpensive style of a connecting member has been provided to position abed headboard upon a bedframe and to secure positive inter-engagementtherebetween. Thus it is believed that the objects of the invention havebeen achieved.

While several complete embodiments of the invention have been disclosedherein, it will be appreciated that modification of these particularembodiments of the invention may be resorted to without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a bed, a bed headboard, a bedframe including side rails, an endplate secured to each of said side rails at the end thereof, each ofsaid end plates having a laterally extending slot therein, a pair offiat headboard plates having their upper portions only for the widththereof protruding forwardly and terminating in laterally opendownwardly extending edges intermediate the top and bottom of theheadboard plate to form in each of said headboard plates a downwardlyopen hook extending the width of said headboard plate, one of saidheadboard plates being secure with its back surface against said bedheadboard adjacent each lateral margin thereof, the upper portion ofeach of said headboard plates being hooked over the upper end of one ofsaid end plates and being laterally movable thereon to support said bedheadboard on said bedframe, nut means operatively associated with eachof said headboard plates, and screw means engaging said nut means andbeing positioned in said slots in said end plates and engaging said endplates to secure said bed headboard to said bedframe.

2. A bed as in claim 1 where said nut means comprise a plurality oftapped apertures formed in said headboard plates and spaced laterallyfrom each other to provide lateral adjustment between said bed headboardand said bedframe.

3. A bed as in claim 1 where said side rails each have a vertical legand a horizontal leg and said vertical legs are notched at their upperedges, said hooks on said headboard plates extending down into saidnotches in said side rails.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,582,832 Hopkins Jan. 15, 1952 2,650,656 Ohlsson Sept. 1, 19532,686,322 Blanke Aug. 17, 1954 2,745,116 Jackson May 15, 1956

